Short Story competition seeking submissions

The Wellington (Shropshire) Town council Short Story Competition (founded in 1994 ) is seeking entries for the 2005 competition. All proceeds in aid of the Mayor's Charity Appeal.

The rules for the competition are as follows :

The competition is open to persons regardless of age or location.
There is no set theme.

Entries should be typed on (one side of) A4 paper, not exceeding 4,500 words.
Entries must be accompanied by a cheque, postal order or International Money Order for a minimum of £3.00 Sterling (although a greater donation would be appreciated). These should be made payable to "Wellington Town Council". Due to sponsorship by the Town Council and businesses ALL entry fees collected will go to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

Although every care will be taken of manuscripts, Wellington Town Council, its Members, employees or agents cannot be responsible for damage or loss, however caused. All manuscripts are submitted at the risk of the author. Entries without a S.A.E. will not be returned. Authors from abroad should enclose sufficient I.R.C’s to cover the return postage. It is recommended that authors retain a copy of their entry.

Each entry must be the work of the person submitting it and must not have been previously published in any form.

Writers groups or writers classes submitting 15 or more entries can offer a reduced donation of £2.00 per manuscript, should they so wish.
Authors submitting manuscripts to Wellington Town Council do so on the understanding that the Council has the right to publish any story by whatever means it considers appropriate.

The closing date for entries is 31st August 2005. Winners should be notified before the end of October 2005.

The decision of the judges is final. No correspondence will be entered into, although details of the winners can be made available – S.A.E. please.
Prizes are in the following categories :

Overall:
a) First Prize overall £90
Second Prize overall £60
Third Prize overall £30

b) Best Story submitted by a Shropshire resident :
First Prize Annual Trophy
Second Prize £40
Third Prize £20

c) Best Story written for (but not necessarily by) children :
First Prize Annual Trophy
Second Prize £40
Third Prize £20

Wellington Town Council reserves the right to include additional prizes at its discretion.

Entriers can be submitted to the following address:-

TOWN CLERK
DERRICK A. DREW ACIB
Civic Offices
Larkin Way
Tan Bank
Wellington
Telford,
Shropshire,
TF1 1LX
UK.